Floral Park Villager (11/15/24)

THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY

SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR

BAND CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Marching Knights of Sewanhaka on their third place finish in the Large School 3 Division of The NYS Field Band Championship at Syracuse University. The Knights set a new program record for a championship performance with a score of 82.65!

New businesses, projects coming soon

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce gathered on November 7 at Stella’s Ristorante, with a strong turnout for updates on the village’s expanding commercial sector.

Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo, the Floral Park Village Board’s liaison to the Chamber of Commerce, announced that a new

fast casual restaurant will open in the former Sterling Bank at 99 Covert Avenue. The menu options are expected to include salads, pizza and sandwiches, opening The interior of the space is being renovated this month.

“They will not have a bar but they will have a liquor license and a takeout window you can go to in the back. The project appears to be at least six to eight months

away from completion,” she said.

Also on Covert Avenue, the former Fox & Company salon/ spa location will become a tae kwon do and martial arts studio, pending approval of a special use permit at the Village Board of Trustees’ meeting on Tuesday, November 19th.

At a nearby Covert Avenue property that was ravaged by a

See page 13

Bond plan to address aging infrastructure

BY KASSARA MCELROY

The Floral Park-Bellerose School District is preparing for a public referendum on January 28, 2025, to address urgent infrastructure upgrades at Floral Park-Bellerose School and John Lewis Childs School. The proposed $19.7 million bond will fund the replacement of outdated heating systems, enhancements to ventilation, and essential repairs to aging facilities.

During last week’s board of education meeting, Dr. Linda Macias, the assistant superintendent for business, along with district fiscal advisors, outlined the now board-adopted bond process, emphasizing the urgent need for upgrades. “We’re at a point where we must invest in an upgraded heating system or risk a complete system failure that is beyond repair,” Dr. Macias explained.

A feasibility study conducted in November 2023 identified several critical areas for improvement, including the replacement of the aging steam heating system and the addition of centralized cooling options. The study found that converting the current steam system to a hot water system, combined with the installation of variable refrigerant flow (VRF) condensers, could significantly reduce energy

See page 9

Free Sample

We'd like to introduce you to Floral Park's newest newspaper! Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our print edition to homes in town. We hope you like it!

To learn how to subscribe, or to contribute material, please see page 6

Early Childhood Open House

Our Lady of Victory School will be holding an Early Childhood Open House for the 2025–26 school year on Tuesday, November 19, from 6:30–7:30 pm.m for grades nursery through kindergarten. Learn more about this faith-filled exceptional program.

FPB students make presentation to school board

Floral Park-Bellerose School students, joined by teachers Alyssa Garcia and Caitlyn Pereira, presented on National Civics Day at the board of education meeting on Nov. 7. They are pictured with members of the board, Principal John DeKams and Interim Superintendent Lisa Ruiz. Photo courtesy of the Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District

Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District welcomed students from Floral Park-Bellerose School to present at the board of education meeting on Nov. 7.

First grade teacher Alyssa Garcia and sixth grade teacher Caitlyn Pereira spoke about how their classes collaborated as Buddy classes for National Civics Day, which was observed on Oct.

27. While working together in pairs, the students created posters to share how they can be a good student and citizen. First grader Liv King and sixth grader Charlotte Vota, and first grader Charlie Dukeman and sixth grader Luke Murphy presented on the importance of civics and reflected on their collaboration.

Family Yoga and Lunch

On Saturday, November 16, Here and Now Yoga Wellness Collective, together with Swing the Teapot will be offering a special program: Family Yoga and Lunch.

At 11:30 a.m. enjoy a yoga class at Here and Now, located at 22 Verbena Avenue. All ages and levels are wel-

come. Cost is on a sliding scale between $20 and $30 per person.

At 12:30, enjoy 25% off lunch at Swing the Teapot, located at 6 Verbene Ave. For more information please call 516-440-7057. Pre-registration is required.

Local charity Tricia’s Kids a prominent part of tree lightings, holiday events

BY RIKKI MASSAND

The Floral Park-based nonprofit Tricia’s Kids is kicking off its 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive, collecting toys through Sunday, December 15, to spread holiday joy to children in need.

Tom De Maria, a longtime local resident and St. Francis Prep High School alumnus is the head organizer of Tricia’s Kids, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. At the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting on Thursday, November 7 at Stella Ristorante he shared news about this year’s toy drive and collection activities. Tricia’s Kids is named after his late wife Patricia De Maria, who died in 2018 after an accidental fall at his mother’s home in Howard Beach, Queens.

Patricia and Tom De Maria knew each other since childhood. They were both born in Brooklyn and their families moved to houses near each other in Howard Beach.

“Our parents were among the new residents of homes built in the 1950s in Howard Beach, and my parents and her parents (the Contes) became best friends. Our families were quite close.

My wife and I were the same age and we were in the same class at the same school, Our Lady of Grace Catholic school. We received Communion together, our parents went out to dinner and we had our Confirmation together. We were like family, and whenever there was something at their house my mother would be there to help. Tricia came to all of my high school football games with my parents, even though she hated football,” he explained.

In their senior year of high school, Tom finally asked her out. For college they were apart; Tricia attended Adelphi University and became a nurse, while Tom went to Bowdoin College in Maine. They got engaged after undergraduate studies and Tom returned to New York, where he attended Brooklyn Law School and earned his JD. In 1977 the couple got married. At the time of Patricia’s death they had been married for close to 41 years.

Tom and Patricia are parents to two children; a son in North Carolina and a daughter living in Bellmore. Tom DeMaria also has a two-year-old granddaughter in North Carolina. As noted

on the nonprofit’s website – TriciasKids. org – “Tricia” was all about family and children, and especially dedicated to bringing joy to people.

Tom De Maria says his wife used her time alive “to help others, to listen to those in need, and inspire all to see the world through a child’s eyes.”

“The gleam in Tricia’s eyes when she interacted with a child was the same as when she lit candles for her guests on Christmas Eve, or watched her family opening presents on Christmas Day. She would leave her Christmas CD’s in the car and listen to them all year long. She embodied Christmas, and she loved children.”

The upcoming holiday happenings in and around Floral Park and New Hyde Park will have a special significance for Tricia’s Kids and its many supporters, which organizers hope will grow. This year, for the first time, the tree lighting and holiday celebration ceremonies on three consecutive weekends will feature opportunities for the public to donate toys and charitable gifts to Tricia’s Kids, during each gathering.

Tricia’s Kids will be a featured charity for:

• The Village of New Hyde Park’s Annual Tree Lighting ceremony, set for Saturday November 30th starting at 3:00 pm at Marcus Christ Hall (1420 Jericho Tpke) with an indoor gathering and holiday treats followed by the tree lighting outdoors after dusk.

• The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce and Junior Woman’s Club of Floral Park will host the annual Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting on Friday evening, December 6th starting at 6:00 pm at Memorial Park on Tulip Avenue. Donations to Tricia’s Kids will be accepted.

• The Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce and Village of Stewart Manor’s annual Tree Lighting is the following Saturday, December 14th, at 4:30 pm on Covert Avenue. Donations to Tricia’s Kids will also be accepted there, and Tom De Maria has been invited to speak about the charity.

• On Wednesday night, December 18th from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm the Floral Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting

See page 15

My First School in Floral Park announced its new slate of officers.

My First School of Floral Park, a cooperative learning school for 2 and 3-year-olds, is pleased to announce its new slate of officers for the 2024–2025 school year:

President: Brendan Healy

Vice President: Victoria Caponigro Fundraising Chair: Susan Beinert

Thanksgiving Dinner Packages

Turkeys Full Cooked and Oven Ready

$299 + tax (Serves 10–15 people)

• 16–18 lb Fresh, Antibiotic Free, Cooked Turkey

• 1/2 Tray Traditional Stuffing with OR without Sausage Meat

• 1/2 Tray of String Beans, Mixed Vegetables, OR String Bean Casserole

• 1/2 Tray of White Mashed Potato OR Sweet Mashed Potato w/ Marshmallows

• Choice of Apple, Pumpkin, or Pecan Pie

• Homemade Turkey Gravy

• Homemade Cranberry Sauce

$429 + tax (Serves 15–20 people)

• 22–24 lb Fresh, Antibiotic Free, Cooked Turkey

• Full Tray Traditional Stuffing with OR without Sausage Meat

• Full Tray of String Beans, Mixed Vegetables, OR String Bean Casserole

• Full Tray of White Mashed Potato OR Sweet Mashed Potato w/ Marshmallows

• Choice of Two Pies (Apple, Pumpkin, or Pecan) • Homemade Turkey Gravy

• Homemade Cranberry Sauce

ADDITIONS: +Extra Pies ($16 each) • +Turkey Carving ($15 each)

Orders must be palced by Monday, 11/25/24. Pickup is on Thanksgiving morning, 8–10 a.m. or any day requested. Not combinable with coupons or discounts.

Amish Grade A Turkey ($3.59/lb) • Bell & Evan’s Fresh Turkey ($5.49/lb)

Boneless Turkey Breast($10.99/lb) • Bone-In Turkey Breast($6.89/lb)

Stuffed Turkey Breast (Apple Cornbread) ($12.99/lb)

Turkey Gravy (Quart) ($9.95 ea) • Turkey Carving ($15)

FRESH TURKEY BUTCHER FAVORITES

Honey Glazed Spiral Ham ($10.99/lb) • Filet Mignon, 1/2 or Whole ($24.99/lb)

Filet Mignon, Trimmed ($37.99/lb) • Prime Rib Roast ($34.99/lb)

Bone-In Leg of Lamb ($9.99/lb) • Rack of Lamb, Whole Rack ($23.99/lb)

Crown Roast Pork ($10.89/lb) • Stuffed Pork Roast ($7.89/lb)

COOKED OR OVEN READY TURKEY A LA CARTE

(Includes Gravy.Additional Carving: $15)

8–10 Ppl (12–14 lb.) ($109) • 12–15 Ppl (16–18 lb.) ($139) 16–20 Ppl (22–24 lb.) ($179)

Cooked Boneless Turkey Breast: 8–12 People (5–6 lb.) ($69)

TRIMMINGS

Stuffing with Sausage ($50/$85) • White Mashed Potato ($50/$85)

Sweet Mashed Potato w/ Marshmallows ($50/$85) • String Bean Casserole ($50/$85)

Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta ($55/$90) • String Beans w/ Garlic and Oil ($50/$85)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Quart ($9.95) • Apple, Pumpkin or Pecan Pie ($16)

Welcome to The Floral Park Villager, where your story is our

story!

Over the next few weeks we will be mailing free copies of our new newspaper to all of the homes in the zip code so you can see what we’re excited about! If this is your first time seeing the paper, welcome! Copies are also available at drop points around town. In addition, you can find us online at www.fpvillager.com

What You Can Expect:

Local Focus: Unlike other papers, we concentrate solely on Floral Park and Bellerose. Our pages will be filled with news that matters to you and your neighbors.

Community Contributions: We want to hear from you! Share your sports updates, event announcements, club news, scouting adventures, and personal milestones like weddings and graduations. Your stories are the heartbeat of our publication.

Comprehensive Coverage: Stay informed about village and school board meetings, ensuring you’re up-to-date with the decisions that impact our community.

Letters to the Editor: We value your voice. Share your opinions, ideas, and feedback. Your letters will help shape the dialogue in our community.

Get Involved:

We encourage you to submit your items for publication to editor@gcnews.com. Whether it’s a story, a photo, or an announcement, your contributions will help us build a newspaper that truly reflects the spirit of Floral Park and Bellerose.

How to Subscribe

If you would like to get convenient home delivery of the paper through the mail, please use this QR code or go to our website at www.fpvillager.com

Advertising:

Our Advertising Account Executive, Peter Camp, is a long-time member of the Floral Park community. For information about advertising, you can reach him at 917-861-4627 or pcamp@gcnews.com.

PROOF THAT NO ONE HAS MORE EXPERTISE WHEN IT COMES TO HEARTS .

#1 FOR CARDIOLOGY, HEART AND VASCULAR SURGERY IN NEW YORK.

What does it mean to be the best in cardiovascular care?

It means having a team of over 600 specialists with a deep knowledge of all aspects of heart disease—a team committed to preventing heart disease before it starts and treating the most complex conditions when needed. It means bringing together some of the world’s preeminent cardiologists and heart surgeons for every patient and leading the world in cutting-edge scientific discovery and clinical research to improve outcomes.

We’re proud to have attained some of the nation’s highest success rates for treating heart rhythm disorders, coronary artery disease, valve disease, heart failure, and congenital heart disease. From prevention to diagnosis to recovery, patients can expect the highest standard of care across our system.

MANHATTAN | BROOKLYN | LONG ISLAND

Made With Love group brings warmth to needy

The ladies of Made With Love meet at the Floral Park Library and have two passions. One is their love of knitting and crocheting and the other is their love of helping others.

Their hand made items benefit vets, cancer patients, nursing homes, hospitals and anyone in need of love and comfort.

The group recently gave 80 lap blankets, hats, scarves and mittens to Cerebal Palsey centers. Another  30 baby items were sent to a Brooklyn parish through Our Lady of Victory.

Members of the Made With Love group with handmade items to be given to those in need.

The group sent 30 baby items to a parish in Brooklyn.

Bond plan to address aging schools infrastructure

consumption. Recommended projects include replacing outdated roof-mounted AC units, addressing mold and asbestos in pipes and mechanical rooms, and installing air conditioning in gymnasiums, libraries, and auditoriums.

The overall cost for these upgrades is estimated at $28.5 million. However, the district plans to use $8.9 million from its capital reserves and unassigned fund balances to offset this expense, reducing the total bond amount to approximately $19.7 million. Macias noted that the district has about $6.4 million in capital reserves and an additional $2.4 million in surplus funds available to lessen

the tax impact on homeowners. These funds, along with the district’s “Aa2” Moody’s credit rating, are expected to help secure favorable interest rates for financing.

The bond process will begin with a community vote in January. If approved, the district will issue a Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) to fund the initial phases of the project, with long-term bonds planned after receiving approval from the State Education Department (SED). The SED approval process, which includes architectural reviews and bidding, could take up to nine months.

The district plans to present a detailed tax impact study on December

12, the next board of education regular session, providing homeowners with a clearer understanding of potential cost implications. If the bond is approved after the public vote in January, the board will adopt bond resolutions in February 2025, with architectural planning set to begin shortly after.

In addition to the bond proposal, the board meeting covered regionalization efforts led by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The regionalization initiative is aimed at improving equitable access to education by encouraging the sharing of resources among districts once approved by the state. While participation is voluntary, districts must participate in a mandato-

ry initial survey. Further involvement in these state-led initiatives are listed as optional. Several board and community members expressed concerns about the potential impact of this on local control.

“We plan to reach out to the Coalition of NYS Board Members to request that our name be added to a letter, backed by neighboring districts, opposing mandatory regionalization,” the board announced.

The Floral Park-Bellerose Board of Education’s next regular session will be held on Thursday, December 12. A primary focus of the meeting will be the presentation and discussion of the tax impact study.

Travel Companies Get Into the Spirit with Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

BY KAREN RUBIN

Travel companies across the spectrum – tours, hotels and resorts, cruises - get into the swing of Black Friday/Cyber Monday with extra special discounts on bookings. Here is just a sampling, but you can contact any travel company on your bucket list to see what they are offering:

Xanterra Travel Collection®, an award-winning globally diversified travel company, is presenting its annual “Thankful for Travel Sale,” Nov. 18-Dec. 2 with money-saving deals on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, a historic train ride to the Grand Canyon, walking and biking tours, and legendary resorts. Xanterra Travel Collection® owns or operates the lodges in Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Canyon, South Rim; Windstar Cruises, the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, The Oasis at Death Valley, Holiday Vacations, Country Walkers, and VBT Bicycling Vacations. The affiliated legendary Five-Star, Five-Diamond Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, and the longestrunning Five-Star award-winning Sea Island resort in Georgia are also participating in the sale (www. xanterra.com/thankful).

Highlights include:

National Parks

• The Oasis at Death Valley –Save 30% on hotel stays at the renovated and historic

Xanterra Travel Collection is offering its “Thankful for Travel Sale” with savings on tours, resorts and national park stays such as at Yellowstone National Park, where in-park lodging frequently book up © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

AAA Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and the familyfriendly Ranch at Death Valley, including cozy cottages, spring-fed pools, and the world’s lowest-elevation golf course. Valid for select overnight stays between December 3, 2024 and February 13, 2025.

• Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel  – Save 30% on roundtrip train tickets on an enter taining journey in fully restored historic train cars to the Grand Canyon’s fabled South Rim when booking a two-night package for select travel dates between January 1, 2025 and March 9, 2025.

ing at Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Bright Angel Lodge, and 20% at El Tovar Hotel for stays between December 3, 2024 and March 9, 2025. All lodges are in the Historic Grand Canyon Village within walking distance of the rim of the Grand Canyon, Lookout Studio and Hopi House. Take advantage of the secret season at Grand Canyon, South Rim and enjoy the park without the crowds.

on overnight stays inside the park at Zion Lodge in December 2024.

• Cedar Creek Lodge, at the gateway to Glacier National Park – Save 30% on rooms for select dates between December 3, 2024 and April 30, 2025.

• Yellowstone National Park –Save 30% on select room types this winter, spring, and summer at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, and Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Enjoy winter savings on rooms at Mammoth Hot Springs for stays between December 15, 2024 and March 2, 2025, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge from December 16, 2024, through March 1, 2025. Save this spring at Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel on stays between April 25, 2025, and May 8, 2025. Save this summer at Lake Yellowstone Hotel on stays between July 2 2025, and August 28, 2025.

Luxury Hotels

• The Broadmoor – The longer you stay at one of the three allinclusive Wilderness Experience properties, the more you save Explore The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp, or Fly Fishing Camp. Book one night and receive 10% off, book two nights and receive 15% off, book three or more nights and receive 20% off for select dates during the 2025 season. • Sea Island  – Enjoy 35% off room reservations at The Cloister and The Lodge for stays between January and May and September through December 2025. November 15, 2024

• Grand Canyon, South Rim  – Save 30% on in-park lodg-

• The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon – Save 30% at the only AAA Three-Diamond hotel near the Grand Canyon in Tusayan (just one mile from the South Rim entrance) on select dates between December 3, 2024,and March 20, 2025.

• Zion National Park – Save 30%

GOING PLACES NEAR AND FAR

Continued on next page

GOING PLACES, NEAR & FAR....

Travel Companies Get Into the Spirit with Black Friday/Cyber Monday

Continued from previous page

Guided Travel/Tours/Cruising

• VBT Bicycling Vacations   – Save $200 on a 2025 Biking Vacation through Burgundy, France: Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon Guided bicycling vacation.

• Country Walkers)–  Save $200 on any 2025 departure of a Genoa & Cinque Terre Self-Guided Walking vacation.

• Holiday Vacations  – Explore down under on the Grand Australia & New Zealand tour departing March 11, 2025. Save $400 per person to discover the great southern land.

• Windstar Cruises – Select one on your upcoming cruise: free pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, OR up to $1,000 Onboard Credit, OR Premium Suite guests may select a free upgrade to an All-Inclusive Fare featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine & cocktails, and all gratuities. PLUS, enjoy reduced deposits of just $300 per guest.

For a complete list of offers visit www. xanterra.com/thankful.

Tours and Cruises

G Adventures is in the midst of its biggest Cyber Sale of the year. From now through December 3, save up to 30% on 400+ adventures across every continent on the planet, with travel by April 30, 2025, and up to 10% on select trips departing between May 1 and August 31, 2025. These include Vietnam and Cambodia; Costa Rica Quest; Kenya Camping Safari; and Galapagos Island Hopping (gadventures.com) Hike, bike or (speed) walk to grab up to 20% off more than 1,500 select tour departures in 2025 with small group adventure specialist,  Explore Worldwide. Tours destinations include Italy, Portugal,

and Japan plus a select number of Polar Cruises. Travelers can choose from these select trips and book online starting Friday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 3, for travel between February 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Discount is off the tour land-only price, excludes flights and extras excursions. Deals can also be combined with loyalty member discounts though restrictions apply. The  landing page will go live on November 22 here These small group tours, average 12 people, are great for solo travelers – 71% of Explore’s North American travelers go solo!

CIE Tours is offering four full weeks of sales with 15% off guided tours to all destinations  –  Ireland, Britain, Scotland, Iceland, and newly-launched tours to Spain – for a savings of up to $1,750 per couple.. The first booking window begins Nov. 11-24 including trips like seven-day Scottish & Irish Sampler. The second booking window Monday, Nov. 25=Dec. 7 on a new set of inclusive guided tours added to the mix like  Evergreen Ireland North. No blackout dates. Offer valid for travel all of 2025 based on tour availability. Offers also include CIE Tours  AllIn Inclusive Advantage including hotels transportation, all admissions and most meals are included in the up-front price. Note: offer is land-only, not inclusive of flights.

Cruiselines offering Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deals include: Holland America (https://www.hollandamerica. com/en/us/cruise-deals/black-fridaysale); Celebrity Cruises (https://www. celebritycruises.com/cruise-packages/ vacation-packages); Norwegian Cruise Line (https://www.ncl.com/cruisedeals); Royal Caribbean (https://www. royalcaribbean.com/cruise-deals/ black-friday); MSC Cruises (https:// www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise-deals/ black-friday-cyber-monday); Carnival Cruise Line (https://www.carnival.com/

Slow Cooker Safety

cruise-deals/black-friday-cyber-monday) Dream Yacht, which makes it easy to enjoy a sailing vacation with the option to book a skipper to sail the boat and even a hostess to help prepare meals on board is offering 20% off its Abacos Dream Special Edition sailing departing on March 1 or March 8 2025 if booked between Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Travelers can book online at www.DreamYacht.com or call +1.855.650.8902

Global Hotel/Resort Deals Borgo San Vincenzo, Montepulciano, Italy, is a reimagined 18th-century borgo named for the patron saint of winemaking, offering wine-driven experiences. Located in the heart of Montepulciano, Italy, in the prestigious Vino Nobile vineyards, a 10-minute drive from the center of the medieval town and a 30-minute drive from UNESCO-protected vistas at Val d’Orcia, Tuscany’s newest award-winning luxury boutique hotel, Borgo San Vincenzo is offering the Suite Escape to Montepulciano special a holiday getaway and truffle season: stay 4 nights and pay for 3 valid for stays from Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025. Rates include daily complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary bicycle use, taxes and fees. Book Nov. 28-Dec. 2 to take advantage two specials: the Escape to Tuscany provides 4+ nights in Tuscany at a 20% discount on all suites in any season, daily breakfast for two, complimentary e-bike rental for two, and €100 euros ($106) food & beverage credit. Bookings need to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable but they are transferrable and giftable. The ultra-luxe Sangiovese by Air, Land, and Trail package: 5 nights in the luxurious Imperial Suite for two people, daily breakfast for two, a helicopter visit to Montalcino with two wine tastings, a guided e-Bike tour of Montepulciano with two tastings and a light lunch, and a private driver to taste in Chianti Classico, for €10,500 euros ($11,370) for two people,

with a 50% non-refundable deposit due upon booking (and remaining 50% due upon checkout). The package is transferrable and giftable. (https://borgosanvincenzo.com/offers/)

Cayo Espanto, Belize: Located three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, Cayo Espanto is a private island resort of seven villas total, helipad, and private yacht. Get airfare credit (up to $750 per person) with a seven night stay booked this Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, online at a privateisland.com

Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya:  Nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, in a private, luxury community,  Fairmont Mayakoba is a newly renovated AAA Five Diamond resort set on 45 acres and surrounded by a lush mangrove forest intersected by water canals. This Black Friday, book the ultimate all-inclusive getaway with 30% off stays from Dec. 6, 2024 through June 30, 2025.

Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection, is offering a 25% discount on a 4-night stay, booked between Nov 22, 2024, and Jan. 20, 2025, using promo code HOL. Marriott Bonvoy members can also take advantage of additional discounts. Reminiscent of a seaside village, with 11 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the sprawling property includes a centralized building that spreads out to 32 unique villas with 270 rooms and suites, six restaurants, five bars, five swimming pools, a spa and a fitness center. HDM additionally offers a Kids’ Club, and a 1,670 square foot convention center (one of the largest in Los Cabos). Reserve at www.marriott.com/ sjdhm

© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear. com

BY CHARLYN FARGO

This is the time we dust off the slow cooker and bring it center stage. It’s perfect for those long-cooking stews and soups that make coming home from work a delight, knowing that dinner is ready. Use your slow cooker to make an overnight oatmeal, dip or even layered lasagna.

For most of us multitaskers, a slow cooker is a dream come true: Plan a meal and have it ready when you walk in the door. But there are some important food safety rules to remember when using a slow cooker. Here are some tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

-- Start with a clean space. Make sure the cooker, utensils and work area are clean. Start by washing your hands.

-- Keep perishable foods refrigerated as long as possible. Take them out and then add them to the slow cooker.

-- Prepare meat and vegetables separately. If you prep meat and vegetables beforehand, store them separately in your fridge in order to avoid cross-contamination.

-- Always defrost meat or poultry before putting it in the slow cooker. Defrosting will ensure your food cooks all the way through to the safe internal temperature. Defrost in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.

-- Pay attention to temperature. It is important to make sure your slow cooker reaches a bacteria-killing temperature. Start your slow cooker on the highest setting for the first hour and then switch it to “low” for longer cooking. However, it is still safe to cook foods on low the entire time -- for example, if you are leaving for work. Just make sure your food reaches the proper internal temperature.

-- Make sure your foods fit. The slow cooker should be half to two-thirds full to ensure your food cooks thoroughly. If there’s too much in the slow cooker, then the food won’t cook properly.

Continued on page 5

Peppercorns” – Saving Hicksville’s First Firehouse - Continued

BY GARY BENNETT

In my last article addressing Hicksville’s Old Firehouse I briefly mentioned Julie Ugarte and her grassroots movement to save the building from losing its historic treasures to developers and renovators. Well, since the announcement of the restaurants closing, she and her supporters have gained a considerable amount of support from local residents for her efforts to have the historically significant Old “Peppercorns” Hicksville Firehouse registered as an historic landmark with the Town of Oyster Bay. The online petition now has some 2600 signatories and the movement has even acquired the direct assistance and dedication of the local fire department historian and recently elected Water District Chairman Karl Schweitzer in full dedication to the cause. I have scheduled an interview with WDC Karl Schweitzer for later in the month of October and readers can look forward to that in a future issue.

On Facebook recently, Julie announced in local Hicksville groups, namely the “Hicksville Community Events Page”, that she and Schweitzer had scheduled a presentation to the seven members of the Town’s Department of Planning and Development board on Wednesday October 23rd. A second presentation will be called that the public may attend to be announced at a later date. Since submitting the application the Old Firehouse’s address at 25 East Marie Street was put on hold with the new owners being blocked from demolishing or renovating the site to prevent destruction of anything historically significant such as the firepole holes or the woodwork. However the new owners are not prevented from painting the interior. In my most recent interview with her when I inquired about paint cans being visible from the outside, she told me that “they’re allowed to paint… not happy about it”. She continued that District Chairman

Karl Schweitzer “really wants to get the building returned to them [the Hicksville Fire Department] for a museum.” Since her September 12th update, she and Schweitzer have made considerable progress for their presentation with Schweitzer starting a “gofundme” to restore the Hicksville FD’s 1948 Firetruck for display at this speculative new museum as well as locating and preserving a number of other FD documents and other material for their initial presentation in late October some of which Julie shared with me for this and future articles during our interview. Some of these photographs I am now sharing with you, our readers. The first is a photograph of the Hicksville Fire Department crew stationed at the old firehouse some time before the building was relocated by horse across the street to its current location in the mid 1930’s at 25 East Marie Street. Other photos included were a black and white image of the firehouse in 1925, and excitingly a photograph of some of the preserved original woodwork and the original fireholes(?) which once housed the old firepoles as seen in the image.

In the image provided an example of the historically significant original parts of the building is shown, in this case is the original elaborate moldings

as well as the hole(s) once housed the firehouse’s original “Fire Poles” which are the slide poles firefighters once slid down for quick access to the ground floor. While some might assume much of the historic architecture was lost during past renovations, much of the interior has been preserved behind the walls and ceilings, most of which is still there. Ugarte and others have expressed concerns that these original features may be at risk of damage by any unauthorized and unpermitted renovation during the waiting period before their presentation to the Town in late October.

In other interviews Ugarte addressed that in the 1930’s the old firehouse was moved by horse and ropes across the street to its current location to save and preserve the building for future generations. So the precedent for the building HAS been preservation since 1936, at least. Not only that but, according to Julie Ugarte, there is support from much of the Hicksville Fire Department who was also be attending the presentation on the 23rd in uniform. Later in the interview Julie Ugarte mentioned some of her background that she was willing to share, “I have lived here for my entire 53 years and want to preserve Hicksville’s history as much as we can.” I asked if she knew what the new owners had in mind for the building should the town side against historic preservation. She said she did not know for sure but she did mention she originally heard from those she asked that the plan was for an Indian restaurant however lately according to those same individuals who were not named the hearsay rumor is now that it is planned to be an “Indian

night club”. While hearsay, it should be noted that given the building is across the street from the firehouse, a night club here specifically might not be the best of ideas.

In addition to the uniform, there are a number of documents and photographs as part of the initial presentation by Ugarte and Schweitzer. If I were to speculate there should be a number of other artifacts as well. One of the images shown to me was the photograph of a Hicksville Fire Department crew stationed at the old firehouse speculated to be before the building was relocated by horse across the street to its current location in the mid 1930’s possibly 1927. Other photographs shared with me include one of the 1920 Ladies’ Auxiliary, the firehouse showing its truck fleet in 1918 with doors opened, and various other photographs between 1906 and 1940.

Looking at some of these old photographs is something, and I addressed this in my last article on the subject. For example in the bottom left corner of the first photograph I am showing here we have the Old “Peppercorns” Hicksville Firehouse with doors fully opened taken sometime before 1936 based on the nearby building also seen in other pre-1937 photographs. Today these doors have been bricked in and you can still see the outline of them in the brickwork today, the middle door was repurposed into the Peppercorns foyer entrance when the building was made into a restaurant. There is looking at history through photographs but the thought provoking impact of being able to actually touch it is another; to know that 100 years ago that wall had an old firetruck rolling out to put out a fire somewhere crewed by a small group in the old attire of the day. It really is something that must be preserved. While Ugarte and Schweitzer have certainly convinced myself and other town residents, the question remains can they convince the seven board members of the Town’s Department of Planning and Development? We’ll just have to wait and see…

For those that haven’t yet signed Ugarte’s petition but wish to sign it, the petition can be found on change. org under the search phrase “Declare Peppercorns of Hicksville a Historic Landmark”.

The firefighters posing before their original firehouse.

BY TOM MARGENAU

Readers are always asking me to explain various Social Security rules and regulations. But sometimes they want more. They want to see something official -- something in “black and white.” In other words, they want me to give them a legal reference.

I sort of know where they are coming from. Frequently, they have heard one thing from a friend or from a supposed trusted source, such as a financial advisor or a Social Security representative. And then they read something different in my column or one of my books. I understand their confusion.

So why should they trust me? Well, I’e been doing this Social Security stuff for more that 50 years now; most of the program’s rules and regulations are just burned into my brain. I will occasionally need to check something out in the Social Security Administration’s “program operations manual system,” which is the primary resource guide for all Social Security Administration employees. POMS takes all of the Social Security laws and turns them into practical instructions for carrying out those laws. Frankly, I haven’t looked at the actual laws for many years now.

Still, I understand that more than a few people would like to see something in writing. Because of the high volume of emails I get, I simply don’t have the time to look everything up for every person who demands to see it in black and white. But if you want to do your own research, I have some bits of advice.

First, I strongly recommend you start out looking in the “Social Security Handbook.” The Handbook is a much shorter version of the POMS. If you printed out the entire POMS, it would fill about 20 big three-ring binders. (I know this for a fact because when I worked for the SSA before an electronic version of POMS came along, I had those 20 binders in a bookshelf behind my desk.)

Anyway, the Social Security Handbook is only about 700 pages and fills just one book on my desk. You can find a pdf version at www.socialsecurity.gov. If you’re an old-fashioned guy like me, you can get a hard copy of the book at any bookseller, such as Amazon.

And since I mentioned Amazon, allow me to shamelessly plug my book. It’s an Amazon bestseller and is called “Social Security -- Simple and Smart.” It’s a collection of factsheets I have written for my readers over the years. These factsheets explain almost every facet of the Social Security program. It’s much shorter and simpler than the Social Security Handbook, and it is WAY easier to understand than the POMS. And it is so much more convenient to find what you are looking for in my book than to wade through all the Social Security laws.

Having plugged my book, I totally

Seeing It in Black and White

understand that it’s not good enough for some people. They want to see the actual rules and regulations. And it you are not satisfied with the Social Security Handbook, you are going to have to delve into the thousands and thousands of pages of POMS.

You can find POMS online at www. socialsecurity.gov. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and click on “Research and policy.” On the page that pops up, scroll down until you see a link labeled “Program Rules,” and click on it. Once there, you will see four links. You will want to open the link labeled “Employee Operating Instructions.” Then click on “Program Operations Manual System -- POMS.” When you open it up, you will see the Table of Contents, which is divided into topics such as “Retirement and Survivors Insurance” and “Disability Insurance” and “Health Insurance” and so on.

And then all I can say is “good luck!” I’ve been using POMS for more than half a century now, and to be honest, I still have trouble finding exactly what I am looking for.

And for those of you who aren’t satisfied with my book, the Social Security Handbook or POMS, if you insist on seeing the actual law -- well, then, I wish you even more luck. In my 50 years of working on Social Security issues, I think I’ve tried to find an actual law reference only once or twice. But if you really want to, you can find the laws by following the same links I mentioned above for POMS. Once you click on “Program Rules,” you will find tabs for “The Law,” “The Regulations” and “The Rulings.”

I am not a lawyer, and I certainly am no expert on these matters, but I think in a nutshell, the “Law” is the law. The “Regulations” are subsets of the law. The “Rulings” are subsets of the regulations. And POMS turns all that legal mumbo jumbo into something at least sort of readable. (And to reiterate, my book turns all of that into something very readable and easy to understand.)

Having given you all these instructions for wading through the SSA website to find various laws and rules and regulations, I’ve found that a simple Google search can work just as well. Hint: Always start out your search with the words “Social Security.” For example, say you wanted information on the 10-year duration of marriage rule that applies to a divorced husband or wife trying to get benefits on an ex-spouse’s Social Security record. When you do the Google search, don’t just type in “10-year marriage rule”; make sure you type in “Social Security 10-year marriage rule.” Lots of helpful links will pop up. But if you want a specific POMS reference, then add POMS to your search.

If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has two books with all the answers. One is called “Social Security -Simple and Smart: 10 Easy-to-Understand Fact Sheets That Will Answer All Your

Questions About Social Security.” The other is “Social Security: 100 Myths and 100 Facts.” You can find the books at Amazon. com or other book outlets. Or you can send

him an email at thomas.margenau@comcast.net. COPYRIGHT 2024

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Losing our middle class and home ownership

The elections and all those commercials bombarding us 24/7 are finally over. Life will continue once again, or will it? We’re exhausted, some aggravated, depressed, and some happy and ecstatic with the results. Now we are ready for a vacation. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is that we still all need a place to live. There are 3 choices, owning, renting or if lucky, staying with family. There are so many more people renting than ever before. They are not able to purchase a home, condo or coop due to financial constraints, cost of living and the severe lack of available choices.

How has real estate been effected by the diminishing middle class in the U.S.? The middle class, once the economic stronghold of an epic majority of American adults, has gradually contracted in the past five decades. The share of adults who reside in middle-class households fell from 61% in 1971 to 50% in 2021, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of government data. However, the statistics also show that the upper end of income families increased from 14-21% during the same period; but the lower income strata of the population increased from 25-29%. So approximately 2/3 of families increased their incomes and 1/3 fell behind.

Based on a 3 person household, the upper income bracket catapulted in 1970 from $130,008 to $219,572 in 2020. This was an increase of 69%. The middle class incomes went from $59,934 in 1970 to $90,131 in 2020, an increase of 50%. More importantly, the percentage of middle class families has plunged from 61% to 50% since 1970. However, the lower income segment went from $20,604 in 1970 to $29,963 and increase of only 45%. Here is a link that will provide more detailed insight as to what has been occuring: https://www.pewresearch. org/short-reads/2022/04/20/how-the-

american-middle-classhas-changed-in-the-pastfive-decades/

Continued from page 2

-- Cut up your meat. Large chunks of meat may take too long to cook all the way through. Cut meat into smaller pieces before adding it to the slow cooker.

-- Keep the lid on. It is important to retain the heat when making a slow cooker meal, so avoid taking off the lid. Only remove the lid to stir or check for doneness.

-- Use a food thermometer. The only way to know for sure that your food is safe to eat is with a food thermometer.

BY PHILIP A. RAICES

More indepth information, analysis and key trends on the state of the middle class from 1970-2023 can be found on the Pew Research site: https:// www.pewresearch. org/race-and-ethnicity/2024/05/31/the-stateof-the-american-middle-class/

Consider the cost of housing since 1970, the nominal home price growth has been 1,881.8% and the real median home price growth is close to 200%. In short, homes have nearly tripled in price.

In comparison, the total return of the S&P 500 during the same time period was 17,811.95% or 2,585.29% when considering inflation.

Additional statistics can be found through this link:

https://www.fool.com/money/ mortgages/articles/this-is-how-homeprices-have-changed-in-the-last-50years/https://www.fool.com/money/ mortgages/articles/this-is-how-homeprices-have-changed-in-the-last-50years/

One must consider how inflation, increases in the money supply, lack of inventory, buyer demand, the once in a lifetime Pandemic, and previously the historically low interest rates (now much higher), student loans, etc. have had a huge impact on the price of homeownership. Many of these variables have never before happened simultaneously, so there is no past blueprint to compare with.

Moreover as inflation had increased, the dollar lost its’ value over time, and the cost of purchasing goods and services increased. There may not be an inventory bubble as there was in 2008, but it surely appears that currently

we have a housing price bubble. The real issue and dilemma that is upon us, is when will prices stabilize or decrease in the future?

Salaries and wages have not kept pace with our inflation. Moreover, the middle class segment of our population is losing ground as has been noted. The opportunity of homeownership has become a distant and potentially impossible dream for a vast number of families and individuals. What will happen to our housing market if there are far fewer purchasers and a continued loss of the middle class in the future with a possible increasing supply; or will builders produce even less new construction? Will low cost housing be an impossible task and goal to undertake w/o government financial assistance? It’s a basic supply/demand scenario.

Here is more detailed information from the Federal Finance Housing Agency detailing statistics over the last 50 years: https://www.fhfa.gov/data/ hpi

Although Jerome Powell, our Fed Chair lowered the Fed rate 25 basis points (1/4 point), it probably will not have any effect on lowering mortgage rates. In fact, from what I have read, mortgage rates might keep increasing as they’ve done since the last ½% decrease of the Fed rate the other month.

One thing is for sure, if the U.S. government continues to increase their spending leading to higher deficits instead of reducing it, mortgage rates will not come down.

From extensive research and reading, the continued loss of the middle class family and individuals will hurt our housing market. Only the upper class earners and cash heavy corpora-

tions will be buying housing creating even greater competition. History has shown that when you continue to lose your middle class the solid foundation of a society decays. It will turn into the haves and have nots! This creates an untenable situation for the government and its population. However, with all the negatives that may occur, I am still optimistic about the future as long as there are common sense ideas and solutions that will solve the degradation of our middle class.

Philip A. Raices is the owner/ Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. He has 42+ years experience in the Real Estate industry and has earned designations as a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (G.R.I.) and also as a Certified International Property Specialist (C.I.P.S.) and has earned his National Association of Realtors “Green Industry designation for eco-friendly low carbon footprint construction with 3-D printed foundations, Solar panels, Geo-thermal HVAC/Heat Pumps).

He will also provide a copy of “Unlocking the Secrets of Real Estate’s New Market Reality, and his Seller’s and Buyer’s Guides for “Things to Consider when Selling, investing or Purchasing your Home.

He will provide you with “free” regular updates of what has gone under contract (pending), been sold (closed) and those homes that have been withdrawn/ released or expired (W/R) and all new listings of homes, HOA, Townhomes, Condos, and Coops in your town or go to https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com and you can “do it yourself (DYI) and search on your own. For a “FREE” no obligation 15 minute consultation, as well as a “FREE printout or digital value analysis of what your home might sell for in today’s market without any obligation or “strings” attached call him at (516) 647-4289.

Use a food thermometer to make sure the food has reached the proper internal temperature.

-- Store leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours. One of the best parts of a slow cooker meal is the leftovers.

Q and A

Q: I know we’re supposed to eat less salt, but what are the effects of eating too much salt?

A: High levels of sodium can lead to

high blood pressure, heart disease and even possible stroke. The recommended limit for sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams per day for people 14 years and older. Some 90% of adult Americans consume about 3,400 milligrams per day, according to the Food and Drug Administration. To cut back, try eating less deli meat, pizza, burritos and tacos; also try using no-salt seasoning blends, no-salt-added canned foods and cutting back on chips and pretzels.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian

with SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois, and the current president of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For comments or questions, contact her at charfarg@aol.com or follow her on Twitter @NutritionRD. To find out more about Charlyn Fargo and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

BY MARY HUNT

Got a question? Lots of readers do, and chances are pretty good their questions just might be your questions too. At the very least, you may find these answers to be somewhat educational, if not entertaining!

Dear Cheapskate: I have a big problem and have told my daughters and their daughters that I am going to accept your advice to solve it. I have only one asset of significant value: a ring given to me many years ago by my mother. All of them want it when I die. This has caused a huge argument. I know there will be hard feelings no matter who I decide will receive this ring in my will. I had the ring appraised and it is of significant value. Thank you for helping me before time runs out. -- Dorothy

Dear Dorothy: The way I see this, you have two choices: 1) Leave the ring to your first-born, which is a kind of traditional way that heirlooms are passed down to the next generation, or 2) Sell the ring now and divide the proceeds equally among your heirs. If I were you, I would go with option #2. I predict that once they hear your decision, there will be a sudden change of attitude to preclude you carrying through with a sale.

Dear Cheapskate: The rust in our city water leaves an unsightly brown

Three Daughters and a Ring

buildup in my bathroom sink made of vitreous china. I have tried homemade remedies and store-bought products, but nothing has worked in completely ridding the unsightly stains. Can you recommend something that will help make my sink look new again? -- Diane

Dear Diane: Bar Keepers Friend, available in the household cleanser aisle of most supermarkets and discount stores, will remove those stains without harming the enamel coating on porcelain, known as vitreous china. The active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is oxalic acid, an organic acid that works as a bleach and rust remover. I think you will be amazed by the ability of BKF to remove these stains! As always, it is vitally important that you test any product in an inconspicuous place first to make sure it will not be damaged before proceeding.

Dear Cheapskate: I need a dark spot corrector for the face. There are so many products out there (most of which are quite costly) that, if they worked, might be worth it. However, I have yet to find anything that works! -- Nellie

Dear Nellie: I have a homemade remedy that’s super inexpensive and very effective for most people. But it requires daily diligence. Ready to commit to doing this for six weeks? Great! Blend one onion in a blender until it is well pureed.

Mix the blended onion with a cup of apple cider vinegar (no substitutes, please). Mix well, then pour this through a small sieve and place the liquid into a small container that has a lid.

To use: Dip a cotton ball into this potent concoction and dab onto the brown spots. Leave the mixture on the spot for about 30 minutes. Continue doing this daily (or twice daily if you can manage and want a faster result) for about six weeks to see improvements.

Dear Cheapskate: My children love the apple slices available prepackaged at the grocery store. I really appreciate the convenience, but I hate the price tag. I would love to prepare the slices at home myself for a fraction of the cost; however, I’m at a loss for the ingredient that keeps the apple slices from turning brown before their time. Any suggestions? -- Michelle P., email

Dear Michelle: Citric acid is the best way to keep apple slices from turning brown. An easy way to accomplish this is to create a citric acid bath -- one gallon of cold water into which you have dissolved a package of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid -- the cheapest source of citric acid! Dip the apple slices in this bath, then place them in zip-type plastic bags. Remember, this trick will only slow the browning process, not eliminate it.

Mary invites you to visit her at Every-

dayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

My Newly Discovered, Super Helpful Household Tips

BY MARY HUNT

Having lived and breathed time- and money-saving tips for over three decades now, I thought I knew it all. I cannot fathom how many thousands of tips and tricks my readers have shared together with all I’ve discovered on my own (borne out of desperation or just plain frugality). So far, I’ve learned enough to fill three hefty published books (“Tiptionary,” “Tiptionary 2,” “Cheaper, Better, Faster”) with clever tips and DIY solutions. Could it be I’ve only scratched the surface? I think so, given what I’ve learned recently.

DOUBLE DUTY FOR TOILET CLEANER

It’s not like I’d never heard of it, but I’d routinely dismissed the idea. Common sense, you know. Gel toilet bowl cleaner to clean grout? Not long ago, I decided to test to prove this was nothing but a wacky idea. Surprise! It actually works. The gel glides out in a perfect little line, like it was born to be a grout warrior. Here’s the drill: Apply the gel (Clorox Clinging Bleach Gel is a good choice) on the grimy grout, let it sit there for five minutes, then grab an old toothbrush -- or whatever scrubby tool you’ve got lying around -and get to work. You won’t be scrubbing

till your arm falls off. Only a little elbow grease, and voila! Your grout will look like new.

RENEWAL FOR STALE CRACKERS

Ever pull out a box of crackers only to find they’ve gone stale and less than crisp? Don’t toss ‘em just yet! Here’s a trick I’ve come to swear by: After baking

something and while the oven is still hot, even though you’ve turned it off, spread the sad, stale crackers on a cookie sheet and pop them into the oven. Don’t turn

the oven back on; just shut the door and walk away. By the time the oven cools, the crackers will come out crisp and snappy, like they just rolled off the assembly line. No magic, no waste and no more soggy saltines. Pretty slick!

THAT FRESH SMELL OF NOTHING

Got a closet that smells like it’s auditioning for a role in “The Haunted Attic”? Here’s a quick fix: Grab a little organza or mesh bag -- something with holes so it can breathe -- and toss in a few sticks of chalkboard chalk. Hang it on one of your hangers, and let the magic happen. The chalk soaks up moisture like a pro, keeping things dry and fresh. No more musty, mystery smells lurking in your closet, just dry clothes that smell the way they’re supposed to. Hint: A challenging situation will work best with several of these chalk bags.

DIY MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER

Some homemade cleaners pull off stunts that store-bought stuff only dreams of -- and this little miracle cleaner is one of them. All you need is baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and suddenly you’re a stain-fighting wizard. Got yellow armpit stains on your favorite

white shirt? Gone. Baked-on crud welded to your cookie sheets? No match for this magic combo. Here’s the routine: Pour some baking soda in a small bowl. Add enough fresh (it can lose its power after six months, or sooner if not stored closed in a dry, dark place) hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Seriously, it works on all sorts of stubborn messes that just won’t quit. And the best part? It’s cheap, easy and already sitting in your cupboard. Who needs fancy labels and chemical fumes when you’ve got baking soda and peroxide ready to do the dirty work?

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book “DebtProof Living.”

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

BY DENNIS MAMMANA

Week of November 17-23, 2024

How many planets are there in our solar system? Nine? Eight? Twelve? Hundreds?

I know many will insist there are nine, with Pluto as the ninth planet, but remember that in 2006 Pluto was reclassified as a dwarf planet, and that left us with eight official planets. Keep in mind, however, that the definition of the word “planet” is still somewhat unsettled, so even that answer may not be correct.

It wasn’t always that way, however. A couple hundred years ago, every astronomer and schoolchild knew the answer. There were six planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, five of which wandered the starry heaven from night to night. And those are the only planets known since the dawn of time.

That’s why in 1781 the world was stunned when musical composer and amateur astronomer William Herschel found a seventh world. It was soon named Uranus (pronounced YOU-rahnus) in honor of Ouranos, the father of the Titans and grandfather of Jupiter in Greek mythology.

What’s curious about Uranus is that no one had found it earlier, as the planet is sometimes bright enough to see with the unaided eye. And right now is just one of those times.

BY TRACY BECKERMAN

“Hey, look at that,” said my husband, staring out the window. “There are people doing yoga on the roof of that building.” We were on the 20th floor of a building in New York City, having a romantic dinner at a chic restaurant known for its great food and beautiful views.

“What are they doing?” he wondered aloud. “Oh. Oh no!”

“What? What is it?” I asked, straining to see.

“Um. I think they’re taking off their clothes.”

I jumped up from my banquette and ran to the wall of windows. There, in plain sight on the roof of the next building several floors below us, were 16 people on yoga mats, doing downward dogs in their birthday suits.

“Ewww. Naked people doing yoga,” I squealed.

“Not just naked people: ugly naked

STARGAZERS

Uranus at Opposition

Uranus reaches its opposition -- the point in its orbit where it lies closest to Earth -- on Saturday, Nov. 16, and for the next week or so will rise in the east shortly after sunset.

Finding Uranus takes some patience, but it’s not too tough since it now appears just south of the Pleiades (aka Seven Sisters), the shimmering star cluster you’ll easily spot low in the eastern sky after dark.

To search for the planet, first use binoculars to find the Pleiades. This in itself is worth enjoying, as its bluish-white stars sparkle like diamonds on black velvet. If you can tear yourself away from this sight, swing your binoculars about one field of view to the right.

Identifying which “star” there is Uranus, though, might be a challenge. I suggest comparing the star pattern you see in your binoculars with that in the illustration provided, and you might be able to figure out which one is the planet.

Uranus has a slight bluish-green tint, and once you find it, try searching for it with your eyes alone. If you have excellent vision and a clear, very dark rural sky far from city light pollution, you may be surprised by how easy this is!

What puzzles me is that, if we can see Uranus with the unaided eye, why hadn’t the ancients found it? And if they had, how might that have changed our culture? After all, the five visible plan-

ets (along with the sun and moon) lent importance to the number “seven,” and we see it everywhere. There are seven rungs of perfection, seven emblems of the Buddha, the seven gates of Thebes, seven wonders; even seven days of the week!

So it’s only natural to wonder how things might be different if the ancients knew of

eight -- instead of seven -- significant bodies that traveled across the heavens. It’s really quite surprising that they didn’t. Just a little mystery to ponder while stargazing this week!

Visit Dennis Mammana at dennismammana.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

LOST IN SUBURBIA

Moon Over Manhattan

people,” our waiter clarified.

It was indeed a spectacle. But apparently I, the suburbanite, was the only one surprised by the events out the window. True, it was an unseasonably warm evening. But all around me, diners kept dining, drinkers kept drinking and no one seemed to notice or care that right outside was an X-rated display of group exercise.

Honestly, I didn’t know which was more shocking; the people doing naked yoga outside, or the people not paying any attention inside. Unfortunately, I was paying attention and having a hard time focusing on my lovely goat cheese and frisee salad and the lovely company of my lovely husband, while 16 not-solovely-looking people Saluted the Sun with a full moon.

Obviously, it wasn’t the yoga part of this display that was troubling me.

My husband does yoga, and my sister-in-law teaches yoga, so although I myself am not a yoga-phile, I have had

some firsthand experience with people doing yoga. I am also not unfamiliar with themed yoga. I’ve read about such yoga options as yoga for couples, yoga for babies, and even something called doga, for people who want to do their downward dogs with their labradoodles. There are the food yoga classes, such as yoga with chocolate, and yoga with wine, as well as the popular yoga with pizza.

There are classes that combine yoga with gymnastics, yoga with aerobics and even yoga with belly dancing. There are probably yoga classes for people who love “Star Wars” (yoga with Yoda) and people who like their yoga with fruit on the bottom (yoga with yogurt). There are so many variations on the yoga theme that I’m sure if I were to search the internet, I would certainly find naked yoga -- maybe even naked yoga with dogs. However, just because you can do it doesn’t mean you should, especially on a rooftop in New York

City and certainly not within view of someone who wants to keep her appetite intact.

Knowing this was a pricey dinner, I tried to keep my eyes on my plate and enjoy the rest of the meal. But ultimately, we decided to skip dessert and go for coffee someplace else, preferably on a lower floor. Then, as we were on our way out, we ran into a friend who was on his way in.

“Are you having dinner here?” asked my husband.

“Yes,” said the friend. “We heard the food is great and the view is terrific.”

“True,” I replied. “But you might not want to do both at the same time.”

Tracy Beckerman is the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “Barking at the Moon: A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble,” available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online! You can visit her at www. tracybeckerman.com.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

Uranus, the third-largest planet in our solar system, is sometimes visible with the unaided eye

ONE CALL TO 516-294-8900 AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN 6 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS. CALL TODAY FOR OUR VERY LOW RATES. www.gcnews.com

Garden City News • Mid Island Times Bethpage Newsgram • Syosset Advance Jericho News Journal • Floral Park Villager

DEADLINE FOR CLASSIFIED ADS IS TUESDAY AT 1:00PM.

2 EASY WAYS TO PLACE ADS:

1) Directly on website: gcnews.com & click on “Classified Order”

2) Email Nancy@gcnews.com

Please include your name, daytime phone number, address and ad copy.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

EMPLOYMENT

SITUATION WANTED

COMPANION, HHA, PCA

Seeking position Monday through Friday / weekends, live in/live out.

20 years experience with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, Dementia, Cancer Patients. References available upon request. Call Miss Browne 516-302-7564

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS!

Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99 / mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898

WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

MARKETPLACE

INVITED SALES BY TRACY JORDAN

Transform your space, maximize your value: Are you looking to add value to your property and enhance its appeal? Look no further!

At Invited Sales, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet your needs:

Personal Property

Appraisals and Evaluations: Get expert insights into the true value of your personal property.

Estate and Tag Sales: Simplify the process of selling estate items with our professional online and in-person tag sale services.

Home Updates:

From carpet removal to one-day floor refinishing and contractor services, we handle it all to refresh your home effortlessly.

Staging Services: Elevate your space with our curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting, and decorative items for a stunning transformation. Explore our captivating before and after photos showcasing homes where we’ve added significant value, making them stand out in the market:

Visit: InvitedSales.com today to discover how we can help you achieve your property goals! Please Call: 516-279-6378

Or Text Tracy Jordan: 516-567-2960

MARKETPLACE

WANTED

TO

BUY

LOOKING TO BUY!

Estates, Oriental items, Gold, Silver, Costume Jewelry, Dishes, Flatware, Watches, Clothing, Old Photos, Coins, Stamps, Records, Toys, Action Figures, Comics, Art and Furniture. Immediate Cash Paid Call George 917-775-3048 or 718-386-1104

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOS WANTED

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS

$Highest$ Ca$h Paid$ All Years /Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? Your car donation to Patriotic Hearts helps veterans find work or start their own business. Fast free pick. Running or not! Call 24/7: 1-888-251-3135.

SERVICES

CONSUMER CELLULAR

the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

SERVICES

GET DISH SATELLITE

TV + INTERNET! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT?

Don’t Accept the insurance company’s first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

JACK’S CUSTOM FRAMING

We can frame anything! Quality Care & Workmanship Thousands of frames to choose from!!

Over 30 years in business! 92 Covert Ave, Stewart Manor 516-775-9495

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

ATTORNEY

SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

AQUATEC LAWN SPRINKLERS FALL DRAIN OUTS Backflow Device Tests Free Estimates Installation Service/Repairs Joe Barbato 516-775-1199

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

MADE IN THE SHADE CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

Blinds, Shades, Shutters, Draperies

Top Brands at Discount Prices! Family owned & operated www.madeintheshadensli. com 516-426-2890

MASONRY

& info.

STEPHANIE A. D’ANGELO, ESQ. Elder Law, Wills & Trusts Asset Preservation, Estate Planning, Probate & Estate Administration/Litigation 901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530 516-222-1122 www.dangelolawassociates. com

All types of stonework Pavers, Retaining Walls, Belgium Block Patios, Foundations, Seal coating, Concrete and Asphalt driveways, Sidewalks, Steps. Free Estimates Fully Licensed & Insured #H2219010000 Boceski Masonry Louie 516-850-4886

PAULIE THE ROOFER STOPPING LEAKS IS MY SPECIALTY! Slate & Tile Specialists All types of Roofing Local References Licensed & Insured 516-621-3869

SERVICES

HEALTH SERVICES

FAMILY CARE CONNECTIONS, LLC

Dr. Ann Marie D’Angelo PMHCNS-BC Doctor of Nursing Practice

Advanced Practice Nurse Care Manager Assistance with Aging at Home /Care Coordintion

Nursing Home & Assisted Living Placement PRI / Screens / Mini Mental Status Exams

Medicaid Eligibility and Apllications 516-248-9323 www.familycareconnections.com

901 Stewart Ave, Ste 230 Garden City, NY 11530

INSTRUCTION

MATH, PHYSICS, CALCULUS, Precalculus, Algebra 2 Trig, AP/Honors/Regents/IB tutor, NYS Certified, Adjunct professor. Highly experienced. Guaranteed and reasonable rates. Raj (516) 787-1026 (cell).

CLEANING

CLEANING SERVICES

Available with flexible daytime hours.

Babysitting & Housekeeping available as well. 20 years experience. Excellent references. Call 516-376-9365

SERVICES

AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-

NET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

CLASSIFIEDS Call 294.8900

Make this side dish the star on Thanksgiving

Stuffin’ Muffins

Food is foremost on the minds of Thanksgiving guests. While food is a big deal on just about every holiday, the meal really takes center stage on Thanksgiving.

Although turkey can be a delicious main course, many Thanksgiving diners might admit they anticipate the side dishes more than the turkey. Potatoes, soups, salads and dinner rolls are all competing for space on the Thanksgiving table and can be equally tasty. However, perhaps no side dish is more synonymous with Thanksgiving than stuffing.

Though stuffing is sometimes cooked inside the turkey, while others prefer to prepare it in a casserole dish. There’s no shortage of ways to prepare stuffing, and adventurous types might enjoy this recipe for “Stuffin’ Muffins” courtesy of “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes With a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith. In this recipe, stuffing is baked in muffin tins for the perfect portion you can sink your teeth right into. Makes 1 dozen

1 pound breakfast sausage

2 medium onions, diced

2 cups diced fresh baby portobello mushrooms

1⁄2 cup butter

8 cups crumbled cornbread Salt and ground black pepper to taste

1) Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter a 12-hole muffin tin.

2) In a large skillet, crumble the sausage and cook until halfway done. Add the onions, mushrooms and butter. Cook until tender.

1 tablespoon dried rubbed sage

1 teaspoon onion powder

1⁄2 cup shaved or grated parmesan cheese

2 eggs

1 1⁄4 cups chicken or veggie broth or stock

3) In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread and the sausage mixture. Add salt and pepper.

4) Add the sage, onion powder, parmesan cheese, eggs, and broth. Mix with hands until all ingredients are moist but hold together.

5) Using a 3-ounce ice cream scoop, place 12 balls into the prepared muffin tin and pat tops flat. Bake for 30 minutes.

If you own a business, we’ll create ads to promote it and help you be seen by thousands of local readers! Call 1-516-294-8900 to inquire!

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...

Each week,

Litmor Publications publishes the ads of providers in our Classifieds, Professional Guide and Service Directory. A 6-week agreement brings your specialty or service to the attention of the community in a public service format.

LET US BEGIN LISTING YOU IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.

For More Information and Rates, Call Nancy 516.294.8900

Email:

Nancy@gcnews.com

Include name, daytime phone number, address and email.

Deadline for Professional Guide or Service Directory is Monday, 12 Noon. Deadline for Classified is Tuesday, 1pm

Advertising in the Professional Guide is only open to N.Y.S. Licensed Professionals.

Share your accomplishments with our readership! Put your engagement, wedding, baby announcement, or more in our paper. It's free of charge for subscribers! Email editor@gcnews.com

Celebrate Holiday Traditions at LI Children's Museum

Theater Premiere, Special Events & Bonus Play Days

December finds Long Island Children’s Museum in full celebration mode as we explore holiday traditions, premiere a new production in the LICM Theater, enjoy the return of Snowflake Sock Skating and ring in the new year in out-of-this-world style.

LICM is adding two Bonus Mondays to its public hours to provide families with more play days in December. The Museum will be open on Monday, December 23 and December 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 2024 Program Calendar

Special Event - Jolly Jamboree

Saturday, December 7 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Get ready to celebrate the season at LICM’s inaugural Jolly Jamboree! Join us for a festive night featuring roaming costume characters, including “Santa and Friends.” Dive into holiday-themed activities, glide with Elsa and Olaf on our sock skating rink and showcase your joyful moves at the Winter Wonderland dance party, complete with live DJ entertainment. Don’t miss out on this magical experience!

All ages. Fee: $16/person ($14 for Museum members).

Special Event - Countdown to 12! –Out of this World 2025

Tuesday, December 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate the New Year in the style of New York’s famous Times Square festivities! This year’s event is sure to be “Out of This World!” as we prepare for the arrival of the “Moon to Mars” exhibit (opening January 18, 2025). The day will be filled with fun space-themed activities, three ball drops, live DJ entertainment and confetti-filled dance parties. All activities are drop-in and run from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., while supplies last.

Ball drops will happen at noon, 2 and 4 p.m.

All ages. Event price: $20/ per person (includes admission, all activities and personal confetti popper for every family member. (Free for Museum members).

December in the LICM Theater

The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats By Jerome Hairston based on the stories by Ezra Jack Keats

Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 at 10:15 a.m. and noon

Friday, December 6, 13 and 20 at 10:15 a.m. and noon sensory

Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 15 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10 and 17 at 10:15 a.m. and noon

Wednesday, December 11 and 18 at 10:15 a.m. and noon

Saturday, December 21, Thursday, December 26, Saturday, December 28 through Monday, December 30 at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Friday, December 27 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Evening show is Sensory Sensitive Performance)

Join us in the LICM Theater to experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe in finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Ezra Jack Keats’ books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of The Snowy Day, Goggles!, Whistle for Willie, and A Letter to Amy.

Tip: Leave time to visit the Snowflake Sock Skating exhibit before or after your performance.

Presented with permission of Plays for New Audiences, and Children’s Theatre Company-Minneapolis. Ages: 4 and up. Fee: $11 with museum admission ($9 Members), $15 Theater only.

Splish Splash Animal Bath

Sunday, December 8 from 1:30 to 2 p.m.

Join us in the Yellow Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM's animals. Join our Animal Educator to observe animal bath time.

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Snowy Day Snowflakes

Tuesday to Friday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. (excludes December 23-31)

Snowflakes come in many different shapes and no two are the same. Come make your own unique paper snowflake to bring home. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

AdvoKids: December Holidays

Saturday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During this AdvoKids program visitors will learn about the many holidays that are celebrated during December and will then create a colorful paper candle – a common fixture in December holidays. This is a drop-in program.

Ages: 4 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Glowing Gingerbread House

Sunday, December 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Come make a cozy light up gingerbread house craft to bring the warmth of the season to your home. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Las Posadas Poinsettias

Saturday, December 14 from noon to 2 p.m.

Join us in celebrating Las Posadas. Las Posadas are a popular tradition in Mexico and parts of Latin America. Come learn about the story of La flor de Nochebuena and the significance of poinsettias during this holiday season and make your own paper flower pinwheels to take home. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Let’s Skate Sunday, December 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.

New York is one of the best places to enjoy outdoor and pond skating. Come make your own winter wonderland scene complete with a moving skater. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Spotlight Shadow Puppets

Saturday, December 21 from noon to 2 p.m.

It’s National Flashlight Day and we have a bright idea. Come design your own finger puppet and take home a mini flashlight so you can perform a shadow puppet show. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Christmas Jingle Bell Ornaments

Sunday, December 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Jingle bells have long been associated with Christmas, but do you know why? Come by and make a personalized jingle bell ornament to ring in the holiday season and learn all about its symbolism.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Playful Penguins

Monday, December 23, Thursday, December 26, Monday, December 30, Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 24 from 10 a.m. to noon

Waddle over to the Green Studio to create your own personalized penguin pal craft. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Snowy Scenes

Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24 from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, December 26, Monday, December 30, Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Frost is in the air and a snowy day is on the way! Join us in the Purple Studio to add your magic touch to the walls of our Snowy Day themed room and help illustrate our collaborative story! All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Celebrate Kwanzaa Friday, December 27 at 1 p.m.

Celebrate Kwanzaa at LICM! Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday that celebrates African American culture and heritage. Join the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to learn about the rich traditions and meaning behind Kwanzaa while you create a mkeke and ear of corn, festive symbols of this holiday.

Ages: 5 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Snowman Sensory Balls

Saturday, December 28 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Come make your own squeezable, stretchable, squishy sensory ball snowman friend. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

Happy Hanukkah

Sunday, December 29 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Come get ready for Hanukkah by learning all about dreidels. Learn about the game’s history and rules and then decorate your own dreidel to take home. This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep.

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

STEM Explorers: Ring in the New Year!

Monday, December 30 from noon to 2 p.m.

Get ready to ring in the New Year with the Green Teens! Explore New Year’s traditions through a different lens with your STEM Explorers. STEM Explorers, powered by Green Teens is made possible with the support of National Grid.

Chamber: New businesses, projects coming soon

fire four years ago, shoring and foundation work is underway, with plans for retail spaces and 12 apartments on the second floor. The project is expected to start by December, weather permitting.

Deputy Mayor Pombonyo told with the Chamber, “The Building Department staff has gone over there daily to ensure the construction is ongoin. It will be nice to have businesses opening there as well as 12 apartments on the second floor of the property.”

At 1 Carnation Avenue (the old Centennial Hall) construction remains on-schedule. PSEG Long Island was on-site and blocking traffic for installation of its electrical connections at the property. Deputy Mayor Pombonyo said there will be water utilities but no gas line is necessary.

On Tulip Avenue directly across the street from Floral Park Diner, a new business – Mistro Pizza Bar – is currently in its soft opening phase. Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald and the Board of Trustees are working with the owners and the Chamber to schedule a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony in a few weeks.

The second floor of the former Capital One bank building, 170 Tulip Avenue is being transformed into medical offices.

The village Building Department issued permits for renovations and

repairs at the old Firestone building (212 Jericho Turnpike), and recently the Architectural Review Board (ARB) approved a new storefront for the property.

Village Trustee Michael Longobardi shared updates on a proposed development at Jericho Turnpike and South Tyson Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue. He explained that the village has been contacted about a proposal involving two mixed use apartment buildings to be constructed. The proposal is only in the concept stage. A recent meeting of the North End Civic Association offered the chance for the property owners/ developers to informally approach the community and receive feedback on the concept – prior to their creation of a formal proposal to the village.

“No formal plans have been submitted yet to the Village of Floral Park, and there have been no formal public hearings. A project of this magnitude will need to go through many public hearings before the first shovel hits the ground. This will go step-by-step through the Zoning Board, ARB, the Village Board, the Fire Marshal’s office, the Nassau County Planning Commission and the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) process….We will keep residents up to date as the process moves forward,” Trustee Longobardi noted.

He added that all businesses and property owners considering a project should check with the Village Building Department, and a great starting point is the municipality’s website – FPVillage.org – to see the Building Department page for a full list of requirements and permit applications.

Businesspersons of the Year

Honorees of this year’s Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce (NCCC) Businesspersons of the Year annual breakfast ceremony, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Friday, October 25th, including the Floral Park Chamber’s 2024 awardee – Tania Lawes, director of external affairs and community engagement for the New York Islanders. The Floral Park Chamber recognized Lawes at its monthly dinner on November 7th, with trustees from the village offering their congratulations as well.

Chamber President Marie O’Connor Grant said Tania Lawes plays an active role in Floral Park’s Belmont Stakes Street Fair. At last Thursday’s meeting, Lawes shared information about the new Belmont Village project as part of the complex’s renovations. The Chamber noted that the annual “Floral Park Skates” event will be continued as the community will be invited to skate on the outdoor ice rink at the Islanders’

UBS Arena.

Deputy Mayor Pombonyo, in her report at last Wednesday’s Board of Trustees’ meeting, also noted that the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce selected Nassau County Legislator and local attorney John Giuffre as its Businessperson of the Year. Giuffre’s office is on Covert Avenue, and he provides valuable support to businesses throughout the community.

“He is very active in Covert Avenue Chamber events and represented Floral Park in the County Legislature following the Covid-19 pandemic. John’s always a friend to Floral Park,” the deputy mayor said.

Another announcement on awards for local professionals involves Bill Corbett – longtime president of Corbett Public Relations, Inc. – who was named the Lynbrook Chamber’s Businessperson of the Year (BPOY). The firm has generated millions of dollars worth of media coverage for clients and assisted them in building brands and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in sales.

Deputy Mayor Pombonyo noted that former Floral Park Mayor Ann Corbett, president of the Floral Park Historical Society, was part of the celebration for his BPOY award, as was Mr. Corbett’s mother.

Celebrate Holiday Traditions at LI Children's Museum

From page 12

Ages: 3 and up. Free with Museum admission.

All activities will be held at the Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Avenue, Garden City, NY. For the safety of our visitors, Adults are not permitted in the Museum without children; Museum visitors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Seasonal Exhibits

Snowflake Sock Skating

Through January 5, 2025.

Slide into the snowy season at LICM as you slip on your "sock skates" and glide across our indoor rink! This innovative space features a high-tech synthetic polymer surface, allowing kids to enjoy the thrill of skating without runny noses or cold hands. With endless opportunities for active play, children can stretch, twirl, and glide to their hearts' content. Once they're off the "ice," the winter fun continues in our enchanting Snowflake Village.

Here, little ones can become bakers in our delightful holiday sweet shop,

step inside a giant snowman to serve up hot cocoa and take their turn at our rink "ticket booth." Everyone can gather around our rink-side "fire" pit for a cozy winter experience, ensuring that the whole family enjoys a magical season together.

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Artists’ Corner – ArtABILITY

Through Sunday, January 5, 2025

ArtABILITY is a traveling art exhibition organized by the Spirit of Huntington Art Center that showcases the talents of individuals on Long Island and the surrounding area living with various physical and cognitive challenges. Its purpose is to educate the community about the remarkable talents of people with diverse abilities, inspire people to reach beyond their limitations to explore their own creativity, and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts. View 50 works on display by talented artists.

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Community Gallery - Art from Uniondale School District

Uniondale students of all ages were asked to make artwork that coincided with the month of December!

While creativity, imagination and S.T.E.A.M. principles are at the basis of these pieces, these works are also a celebration of the artistic excellence of the students in our community and we thank you for celebrating with us! The Uniondale School District is proud to present our collection.

All ages. Free with Museum admission.

Museum admission: $18 for adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, FREE to museum members and children under 1 year old. Additional fees for theater and special programs may apply. For additional information, contact 516-224-5800.

Hours: (September-June) Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most school holidays.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call the Garden City office today 294-8900 for more information.

Local charity Tricia’s Kids a prominent part of tree lightings, holiday events

From page 3

its annual Holiday Party at Nancy’s Restaurant, 255-41 Jericho Turnpike. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift for Tricia’s Kids as the holiday season toy drive “wraps up.”

The cost per registered attendee is $60, and there will be a cash bar. Registration is available online at FloralParkChamber.org/events and by calling 516-641-1200.

Festive attire is recommended, and RSVPs are due by Wednesday, December 11th.

The Village of Floral Park’s village hall at 1 Floral Boulevard, has two dropoff boxes for toys to support Tricia’s Kids, including boxes inside the two “24/7” operations – the Floral Park Fire Department Headquarters and Police Department Headquarters.

Tom De Maria along with his son and daughter established Tricia’s Kids in late 2018, as their first holidays without mom approached and they considered her warmth and good wishes for children at Christmas. The family had to adjust after decades of being together, as De Maria said they usually observed the Italian Christmas Eve tradition, Festa dei Sette Pesci – the Feast of the Seven Fishes. They didn’t do that the year mom died.

“My son was to get married in

November 2018, and before the accident my wife was helping them with all the preparations and arrangements. She passed in June, then we held the wedding without her and the holidays came up. He told me we set aside some money for a gift for mom but she isn’t here, and then he and his wife thought about how generous Tricia was for kids and how she loved Christmas. So they bought toys with that money to donate them to a children’s charity where they lived. Then we figured that it would be right to do this every year,” he explained.

The nonprofit was filed with the attorney general’s office and IRS, and the 501(c)3 was soon established. Every year the organization has grown, as more individuals in Nassau County and elsewhere have spread word and offered their assistance and goodwill.

Before starting operations nearly six years ago, Tom De Maria reached out to his close friend, retired U.S. Marine Corps Major. Chuck Kilbride who leads the Toys for Tots of Nassau County nonprofit. In 2023 that organization donated nearly 800,000 toys to children around the Long Island region.

“I met Chuck many, many years ago through a mutual friend. He’s a very hardworking, great guy. I spoke to him before we did anything, out of courtesy because I didn’t want Chuck to think we would be stepping on his toes. His

Christmas Wreath Sale Fundraiser

The Boy Scouts of Troop 482 will be having a wreath sale on Saturday, November 30. Come down and support the scouts by purchasing a pre-decorated wreath for only $30 per wreath. The sale will take place at the Floral Park Public Library.

Also, by special order only, the following items will be available: deocrat-

ed grave blankets (24" x 45") - $55; decorated Balsam Cross - $35; and 25 foot roping - $30.

Special orders are due by November 13 and must be paid in full.  For information and special orders please contact Troop482Wreaths@ yahoo.com or 516-998-5715 or 631-6159031.

Place an ad in our Classifieds for reasonable rates and prompt results. Call 294-8900 or visit us online www.gcnews.com to request information & rates Litmor Publishing's Community Newspapers

response to me was ‘I would never think that, Tommy!’ and he offered great pieces of advice to us,” De Maria explained.

When Tom’s son and daughter-inlaw moved to a small town in the mountains of western North Carolina after the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Tricia’s Kids was able to expand its mission and outreach to the southeast U.S. “We have a branch of Tricia’s Kids down there and we did the filings for the charity with the state,” he explained.

Here, residents of the communities, from Floral Park, Bellerose, Stewart Manor, Garden City and other areas have gone out of their way to support Tricia’s Kids with substantial charitable donations and efforts. The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce has also been very generous in supporting the local charity. He thanked the Board of Directors at their November 7th dinner meeting.

“We are to the point where the organization is accepting donations of toys and contributions year-round. Last year we partnered with the Ronald McDonald House and they always seek dona-

tions of toys. Our main thrust is the holidays, but we are working with other charitable organizations all year,” De Maria noted.

Another opportunity the charity offers is to ‘Sponsor a Child.’ People contact Tricia’s Kids and fill out an online form, where donations can be directly linked to the wish of a child in need. Choices of items are listed to help that effort.

“We have people who prefer to donate through the ‘Sponsor’ opportunity to provide a specific item or items for a child, as noted online. That is an alternative we offer to dropping the toy or doll inside a donation box and not knowing the exact wish for a child’s Christmas present, or a piece of clothing or item they might really need. A person (donor) can go out and buy the exact item and we’ll provide that to the child,” Tom shared.

For more information and/or to donate to Tricia’s Kids, visit their website, email them at info@TriciasKids. org or visit the Facebook page, @WereAllTriciasKids.